We had said our goodbyes to everyone again, I think this might be the last time we see some of them for a long while, Scott was heading down to the South Island, Claire and Caroline would also start their travels soon. It was a good night, as you can see from the photos.Esther and I had chosen to travel back to the Bay of Islands with Stray again. It was slightly more expensive than getting the bus, but only by a few dollars and it's a really good day trip.We were outside the hostel at 7.45am with two German girls and rosalisa-(she is a travel rep from the base hostel). when out bus arrived a very surprised chops did a double take and asked us what we were doing, so we explained the whole story of getting to welly and Wangernui and deciding to spend the summer back in Paihia. The look on his face told us that he thought we were nuts! Oh well can't win them all.Rosa sat in the front and we Sat behind Chops, the German girls where behind us

.Our first stop was the kauri tree again, I'm getting really good at this tree hugging thing now. Onwards to Goat Island, still no swimming too cold.then a slight detour, Chops decided the sunny day was too much to waste and took us to a wonderful beach off of the beaten track. First we stopped at a little town to get supplies for lunch. When we got to the beach it was split in two, the main part was for the surfers, lots of good waves to ride. Over a little hill was the second part, where there were lots of little coves , this is where we headed. After answering mother natures' call behind a very well placed clump of rocks(sorry no facilities at this beach!!) we had our lunch.This was not your normal type of sandy beach, this place is completely made up of shells, not too good to walk on. Rose and I decided to brave the water after lunch as we were so hot, Rose only made it to her waist, me I just plunged in and it was bloody freezing. We spent two hours on the beach and then headed off again, stopping for ice cream on the way. chops kindly shouted us the Ices. we had great fun on the bus again chops is an original- I don't think the world could take two of him!.We arrived in Paihia late, dropped the others at the Pipi patch hostel and the Chops took us over to town and CentraBays. Hugs all round and promises to go for a beer or two with him when he was next off and we went to book in.Sparta's face was a picture, I got a great big hugs and lots of questions, but it was great.Esther and I headed to our room, to me it felt like coming home.